WCI MEASURING OUTCOMES RESEARCH PROJECT

Welcoming Communities ConferenceOttawa, 28-30 October 2010

MAIN GUIDELINE: THE REPORT

“Characteristics of a Welcoming Community”

Victoria M. Esses, Leah K. Hamilton, Caroline Bennett-AbuAyyash, and Meyer Burstein Report for the Integration Branch of Citizenship

and Immigration Canada

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Identify and collate data to assess indicators of characteristics of a welcoming communityFor each characteristic of a

welcoming community, identify objective indicators for which data can be obtained

Produce datasets that correspond with these objective indicators

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To help communities developing LIP councils determine:how they stand on these measuresthe quality of welcome in the

community and areas in need of attention

THE TEAMAT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

Researchers / PhD students Alexandra Bozheva – Sociology /

DemographyNatalia Lapshina – Psychology Claudia Rangel – Geography

Faculty / Project SupervisorsRod Beaujot – Sociology / Demography Jason Gilliland – Geography

Team leader: Zenaida Ravanera – Sociology/ Demography

Adviser: Vicki Esses – Psychology

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17 CHARACTERISTICS

1. Employment Opportunities

2. Fostering of Social Capital

3. Affordable and Suitable Housing

4. Positive Attitudes toward Immigrants, Cultural Diversity, and the Presence of Newcomers in the Community

5. Presence of Newcomer-Serving Agencies that Can Successfully Meet the Needs of Newcomers

6. Links between Main Actors Working toward Welcoming Communities

17 CHARACTERISTICS (CONT’D)

7. Municipal Features and Services Sensitive to the Presence and Needs of Newcomers

8. Educational Opportunities

9. Accessible and Suitable Health Care

10. Available and Accessible Public Transit

11. Presence of Diverse Religious Organizations

12. Social Engagement Opportunities

17 CHARACTERISTICS (CONT’D)

13. Political Participation Opportunities

14. Positive Relationships with the Police and the Justice System

15. Safety

16. Opportunities for Use of Public Space and Recreation Facilities

17. Favourable Media Coverage and Representation

INITIAL DATA SOURCES

2006 Census2008 General Social Survey on Social Engagement

Canadian Community Health Survey

PLANNED OUTPUT

Interim products in the WCI website

Report that includes data collated and analyzed indicators not available

If possible, publications in journals